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"The Plus" Guest Blogs & News

To help communicate Northeast Ohio’s many “pluses” to residents, Cleveland Plus boasts a robust in-region communications program. The program is designed to share the region’s good news and information through a variety of communication channels.

Below, please find links to our many communication channels, including our Pass the Plus e-newsletter, our “Be The Plus Guest Blog,” as well as our social media networks. We encourage you to engage with us through these platforms and help us to “pass the plus!”

People are the heart and soul of this city; they are the leaders of change. Nothing would be possible without individuals stepping up to serve the greater good. Twenty-five exceptional individuals have seized that opportunity by offering up civic pitches with Accelerate NEO!

Ask any leader in the business community and they will tell you that a thriving young professional population is essential to the continued success of a region. Read as Adam Rosen highlights why YPs love the Northeast Ohio region!

Craig Ferriot is President of Ferriot Inc., describes Northeast Ohio as, "diverse, friendly and innovative." Read what else he has to say about the region in our first installment of our "Day In The life" series!

Furniture Design has joined Medicine and Manufacturing in turning Cleveland into an Innovation Hub. Local designer/fabricator of steel furniture Jason Radcliffe, 38, is a trailblazer in Northeast Ohio’s thriving “maker” community.

Downtown Cleveland gets a facelift, and her beauty is attracting more than the millennial generation but downsizing suburbanites as well. There are a number of reasons that contribute to the massive migration. Read what Connie Brown thinks about this transformation!

Not many can say they had the chance to experience going to school on a Fortune 500 company’s campus. However, this teen from MC2 STEM High School can proudly say she spent an entire school year at GE Lighting’s Headquarters in Northeast Ohio!

At only 15 years old, Ethan Holmes took the risk of beginning his own business. Now at 21, Holmes' Mouthwatering Applesauce is making a name for itself nationally. Read about how the young entrepreneur benefitted from the Northeast Ohio's thriving business and entrepreneurial community in his blog!

If you're the proud owner of an ever-grumbling stomach, the Northeast Ohioan suburb of Hudson might be a great place to visit! Read as guest blogger, Ryan Collins, takes us on a tour of all the awesome places to eat in this walk-able Akron-area neighborhood!

The food, the shopping, the walkability, the beach... the list goes on and on! Find out why fashion and lifestyle blogger, Rachel Schlather (Cleveland Fashionista), loves working in the cool Cleveland neighborhood of Lakewood.

Cleveland had been rocking and rolling all day long. Cold weather wouldn’t stop the most anticipated party in the history of Northeast Ohio. Our prodigal son had returned and he wasn’t just embraced, he was showered with love.

We want to thank Defend Youngstown for allowing us to share the content below. This is the last of four installments from the original, “50 Things to do in Youngstown”. Part four is dedicated to FUN. Youngstown is filled with a variety of entertainment options – check out some of Defend Youngstown’s favorites below!

When you’re a student in Northeast Ohio, you don’t need to travel far to have an amazing break. Below I’ve included just a sampling of the fun that should be on every Northeast Ohio student’s winter break to-do list.

Rachel and Ben Schlather love Cleveland SO much.... they used it as a theme for the biggest day of their lives - their wedding! Read this very Cleveland couple's story of how they featured the region in the most loving way possible!

Gay Games 9 was an unprecedented event for Northeast Ohio. The region physically and metaphorically hoisted its rainbow flags – local LGBT residents and straight allies alike showed their pride and support. Now that the games are over, allow Ryan Collins to remind NEO residents just how LGBT-friendly the region is... year-round!

We want to thank Defend Youngstown for allowing us to share the content below. Over the course of the next five months, we’ll share a select few items from his original, “50 Things to do in Youngstown”. Who knew Ytown had so much to offer?

When people ask, "What's your favorite thing about living in Cleveland?" How do you answer? For Jeremy Bednarski, it's the marketing event Content Marketing World, hosted by Joe Pulizzi and Content Marketing Institute. This event has grown from 600 attendees in 2011 to over 2,600 this year and Jeremy offers incite about what these tourists thought of Cleveland.

According to guest blogger, Adam Sockel, it's time for the region to stop underestimating Cleveland's own, Brian Hoyer. Of the 5 games he's started as a Cleveland Brown, he has a 4-1 record and has become known for dominating forth quarter drives. Seems like Cleveland Sports fans have something to look forward to this season. What do you think?

Here at Cleveland Plus, we're always looking for cool ways to show off our region using social media. Our friends over at Lake County Visitors Bureau found a way not only to engage their community but also garner a beautiful collection of photographs celebrating their gorgeous county on Lake Erie. Below, Elizabeth Connor explains the program and shows off a select few photos from the #Instatour. Enjoy!

With so many pet-friendly businesses, an abundance of greenspace, and a family-friendly atmosphere, it's no wonder why man's best friend loves living here in Northeast Ohio! This week, take a walk in Grady's paws and check out a couple of Cleveland+'s cool canine offerings!

We want to thank Defend Youngstown for allowing us to share the content below. Over the course of the next five months, we’ll share a select few items from his original, “50 Things to do in Youngstown”. They're passionate about their pizza, pierogies and cookies in Ytown so, Part 2 is dedicated to Food! Enjoy!

It is rare that an idea that starts with the question “what if?” turns into something brilliant but when it does, it can take the world, or a rustbelt city on the lake, by storm. That is exactly what has happened with the Believe in CLE yoga movement happening in Northeast Ohio.

Want to put your finger on the pulse of Northeast Ohio? Your best bet is Twitter only if you know whom to follow. Recent developments like the RNC coming to Cleveland in 2016 (#RNC2CLE) and Lebron James’s 2nd Decision (#Decision2) broke on Twitter first with commentary all over the country (inspiring this front page USA Today Story). Find out what's happening in real time by follow these feeds.

We want to thank Defend Youngstown for allowing us to share the content below. Over the course of the next several weeks, we’ll share a selection of items from the original, “50 Things to do in Youngstown.”Because we’re in the midst of enjoying summer in Northeast Ohio, part one is dedicated to activities – many of which are outside! Enjoy!

Considering college in Cleveland, Akron, Canton or Youngstown? From the atmosphere to the arts experiences, awesome deals, and career opportunities, allow Ellen Kirtner (a Kent and Case alumnus) to educate you on why she LOVES learning in NEO.

Looking to get outside and have some fun this summer? Look no further than Canton, Ohio - Where the Pro Football Hall of Fame's Enshrinement Festival hosts an exciting schedule of special events for the entire family!

Prepare to be charmed and intrigued by these visual art galleries in Northeast Ohio. A fine arts connoisseur, Amy Huston shares her favorite spots to admire the art in the region. What are you waiting for? Go check them out!

Looking for a great cup of tea in Northeast Ohio? Tea enthusiast, Keri Zipay discusses three of her very favorite tea spots right here in NEO. Whether you want to sit down and relax with a fresh-brewed cup or take some for the road to enjoy at home, this list has something for everyone. Featuring The Tea Lab, The Sanctuary on Green and Cleveland Tea Revival.

Being an entrepreneur isn't the easiest job but it is definitely possible, especially right here in Northeast Ohio. Just ask Kumar Arora,a Cleveland-based serial entrepreneur and business angel behind many notable start-ups in the area. Hear as he lists some Northeast Ohio resources for entrepreneurs and gives some expert advice on how YOU can be behind the next start-up success story.

Meet Chris Hatala, Northeast Ohio entrepreneur, who believes that right now is the perfect time for Millennials (or anyone!) to start their own business in NEO. Read about the amazing resources available for start-ups right here in our own backyard and get some expert tips from this experienced entrepreneur.

Indigo Perfumery is bringing the art of scent to Northeast Ohio! Hear a little about Indigo and why they love their NEO location from the owner, Ann Onusko. Plus, see some exclusive photos from their latest event, Exploring the Senses: Art from Perfume.

Forget France and Italy...did you know that Northeast Ohio is home to some of the country's most beautiful wineries? In fact, Ohio is the 9th largest producer of wine in the nation. Join Crystal Angersola from Eat Drink Cleveland as she explores seven of Northeast Ohio's wineries. Cheers!

Do you love music, art or entrepreneurship? What about all three? Look no further! Weapons of Mass Creation, a design and music fest is coming to Northeast Ohio for the fifth year in a row. Learn about the fest and hear why Northeast Ohio is the perfect location for it from Heather Sakai of Go Media.

Do you love cool images of Northeast Ohio? We do! Check out our interview with local entrepreneur, Michael Hach, the CEO of Cleveland Aerial Media, a company using new technology to snap some amazing and never before seen photographs of our region.

If you are looking for a quaint little area in Northeast Ohio with local restaurants galore, cute shops and boutiques and a place to walk your dog, look no further. Hear Emily Nicholls talk about her favorite neighborhood in NEO, Tremont.

People travel all over the world to see birds but more and more birders have been discovering that some of the very best bird watching is in our very own state. David Beach tells us about some of the birding "hot spots" right here in Northern Ohio.

Sharing similar qualities with Silicon Valley, the entrepreneurial mecca of the US, our very own Northeast Ohio city, Cleveland, could and should be the next big startup hub. Hear 6 reasons why from local entrepreneur, Jose Vasquez.

Looking for something fun & FREE to do with your toddlers around the Akron area? Look no further! From playgrounds to local libraries, Shannon Wasie dishes on some of her family's favorite free activities in Akron.

Why is owning a business in Northeast Ohio so great? We asked Matt Radicelli of Rock the House, an event company celebrating its 15th year of business in Cleveland. Hear Matt's story and get some expert advice about starting a business in NEO.

Cleveland is full of charming neighborhoods and century homes with distinctive historical architecture. From the late 19th century Victorians in Ohio City to the early 20th century Colonials of Shaker Heights, Annemarie Colosimo gives tips on preserving and recapturing the beauty of historic homes in the area.

Have you been itching to get your bicycle out of storage, praying that these long, harsh winter months would finally come to an end? Well, get ready for some great bicycling action this spring/summer in Northeast Ohio. Matt Bixenstine "steers" you in the right direction with these eight reasons to get excited for bicycling season!

If you take pride in shopping locally, check out Alex Harris' clothing shop- Family First Clothing Company. Alex shares his experiences as a young entrepreneur in Northeast Ohio and why the region was the perfect place to get motivated and take a chance.

Looking for the perfect volunteer opportunity in Northeast Ohio? Becky Meiser shares some of her favorite, unique, past and present volunteering experiences in Cleveland that will motivate anyone to give back to their city. How will you take action?

In Northeast Ohio, the zoos are infamous for loads of family fun. Danielle Filipkowski shares how she and her family enjoy the animals, the unique experiences, and make tons of memories at the Akron Zoo!

Think there's nothing to do in Cleveland? Think there are no vegetarian or vegan dining options? Think again. Allison Kretz discusses fun activities that take place right here and Cleveland and talks about where she and her fiancé like to enjoy unique vegetarian meals.

Northeast Ohio is a thriving region, especially for young families who are looking for new adventures, restaurants, shopping locally, and getting in-touch with the great outdoors. Jessica Fick shares her experiences as a mother of two young children in the neighborhood of Cleveland Heights!

If you need a good cup of coffee to get your day started, Ellen Kirtner can certainly relate. In this #BeThePlusBlog, Ellen shares some of her treasured coffee shop finds in Northeast Ohio. Are you ready to get your jolt today?

When you've been given the chance to act as a tour guide for your own hometown is when you truly realize all of the things you could have taken for granted. KC McKenna shares his experience as a Northeast Ohio "tour guide" for foreign exchange students in China and how he is starting to look at his hometown in a new light.

Dr. Tim Stover grades Akron with an "A" for being a community full of compassion and caring, for giving people a "big city" feel in a small city, and for offering top-of-the-line healthcare, fabulous entertainment, academics, and more! What are you waiting for? What grade does Akron get on your report card?

Fifty-cent movie theaters, traditional high-tea service, and the region's best ice cream are just a few topics that Ashley Oeken discusses in her blog about her favorite spots in Youngstown and Cleveland!

Between finding ourselves caught in the Polar Vortex, checking and re-checking our weather apps, and dealing with the stress of winter traffic in Northeast Ohio, we might lose sight of what makes the region so special. Although Hawaii might seem like a nice getaway now, Maureen Amato shares her personal experiences as to why Northeast Ohio just might be better.

Never say you can't stay fit in Northeast Ohio winters again! Jessica McCartney, who is an avid runner, (she even participated in The Boston Marathon!) shares 8 ways that you can maintain your fitness this cold season and have fun doing it!

Have you found yourself out of ideas for fun activities to do or places to see in Cleveland? Sarah Amer opens our eyes to the arts scene in C-Town and why you'll never be left without anything to do, again.

You may have attended a special event in Northeast Ohio for several different occasions, but were you aware that these events could have been put together by world-renowned, award-winning event planners? Nick Borelli, a member of the NEO event industry himself, enlightens us with the region's notable talent!

Northeast Ohio doesn't let dietary restrictions get in the way of satisfying your sweet tooth or fulfilling a craving. Urvi Patel shares with us some of her favorite places in the region for those just like her with certain dietary restrictions. Some may even surprise you!

Just because the weather is getting cooler in Northeast Ohio, it doesn't mean you can't participate in some of the region's most fun and challenging races! Whether it represents the holiday season or is just a race you will take part in to test your endurance, Pamela McGowan has the inside scoop on what races to sign up for!

Juggling work, family, and a social life doesn't always make it easy to adhere to a well-balanced, healthy and fit lifestyle. However, Alicia Hansen shares with us her secrets to staying fit in Northeast Ohio and making the most out of a busy schedule!

Experience all that the Akron/Canton region has to offer in its fresh, farm-to-table cuisine eateries. North Canton native, Collyn Floyd, shares her inside scoop to some of the best food in the region!

Want to make the move to Downtown living in Northeast Ohio? Adam Rosen shares his experiences with living in Downtown Cleveland along with his insights into the trendy places and activities to see in other parts of the region.

Although summer is winding down in Northeast Ohio, Carrie Corrigan prepares us for the 2014 summer season, sharing her favorite fresh produce markets in the Plus that make the summer season that much better!

The Cleveland Museum of Art is more than an exhibit for exquisite artwork. Toni Chanakas takes us through the night of the latest MIX event at the museum and introduces us to a wide range of the remarkable social events that this unique Northeast Ohio museum has to offer!

Let the Northeast Ohio sports optimism overwhelm you this season instead of preparing for the much-anticipated despair. Cleveland-native Adam Sockel is ready to tell his fellow Northeast Ohioans why The Browns, Indians, and Cavaliers are in a better position to win than they were in previous years. The question is, do you believe?

Doug Katz, local chef and restaurateur, provides his insights on the many great places to shop in the region if you’re looking for that authentic feel. Read on to see what some of his favorite independently owned restaurants, farms and shops are in Northeast Ohio and visit them for yourself!